Iceland Expedition

The Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland’s geology results from the constant interplay between fire and ice. This island, spanning 103,000 km² (about the size of Kentucky or Portugal), sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, leading to spectacular phenomena like volcanic eruptions, rift valleys, and geothermal activity. In fact, the word “geyser” originates from Icelandic, referencing the geysers’ hot springs. Among its most striking landscapes are Eyjafjallajökull, Southern Fjallabak, and Vatnajökull.

Eyjafjallajökull is a glacier and volcano in southern Iceland, globally renowned for its 2010 eruption, which halted air traffic across Europe due to volcanic ash. This volcano is connected to the magma chamber of nearby Katla, showcasing the region’s geological complexity. When Eyjafjallajökull erupts, it triggers phenomena such as jökulhlaups—sudden glacial floods caused by volcanic heat melting large ice masses.

In southern Iceland, Southern Fjallabak is a mountainous volcanic region famed for its vibrant and unique landscapes. In Landmannalaugar, rhyolite mountains and geothermal systems create a colorful and contrasting environment. Volcanic calderas like Torfajökull evidence past and present volcanic activity.

Iceland hosts approximately 11 major glaciers, covering about 11,400 km². Among the most notable are Vatnajökull, Hofsjökull, Langjökull, and Mýrdalsjökull. Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, covers 14% of Iceland’s surface and contains subglacial volcanoes like Grímsvötn.

Iceland’s waterfalls are one of the country’s most iconic symbols, formed by the interaction of glaciers, rivers, and volcanic activity. These waterfalls, varying in size and shape, stand out not only for their majesty but also for their cultural, historical, and geological significance.

Icelandic sagas are medieval epic narratives written between the 12th and 14th centuries, blending history, mythology, and legends. These works, originally written in Old Norse and now translated into various languages, testify to the spirit of medieval Iceland. They explore themes such as colonization, religion, politics, and family feuds. Beyond their literary richness, many sagas took place in specific locations or settlements, allowing visitors to relive the events described in the exact places where they occurred, creating a unique connection between history and landscape.

In addition to being literary masterpieces, the sagas document historical events and customs, offering insight into the social and legal life of the time. Works such as the Saga of Njál and the Saga of Hrafnkell stand out for their ability to depict both human dynamics and natural phenomena.

The sagas also recount historical events like volcanic eruptions. In the Íslendinga Saga, the eruptions of Reykjaneseldar between 1210 and 1240 are documented, highlighting significant agricultural disruptions due to ashfall and livestock loss. In the Kristni Saga and the Njáls Saga, eruptions are interpreted as signs of divine wrath during Iceland’s conversion to Christianity, reflecting a blend of geological events and religious beliefs.

Icelandic folklore uniquely blends mythology, nature, and traditions, forming an essential part of the country’s cultural identity. These narratives, deeply influenced by Iceland’s geographic environment, reveal the intrinsic connection between its inhabitants and the land they inhabit.

Tales and legends feature a variety of mythical beings that reflect the interaction between humans and the supernatural. Elves, or Huldufólk, are hidden spirits that live in rocks and hills, symbolizing an invisible world in harmony with ours. Belief in them is so strong that it even influences urban planning, avoiding damage to areas where they are believed to reside. Trolls, on the other hand, are primitive giants inhabiting mountains and caves, personifying natural dangers and the unknown. Their vulnerability to sunlight, which turns them to stone, makes them a permanent part of Iceland’s landscape.

Another prominent cultural symbol is the Fjallkonan, the “woman of the mountain,” embodying the essence of Icelandic nature.

Rooted in Nordic and Celtic traditions, Icelandic folklore has evolved to adapt to the country’s unique landscape. These stories, passed down through generations, not only entertain but also preserve the local language and customs, keeping alive a worldview that intertwines the physical and the spiritual. In tales such as the Bergbúa þáttr, glaciers and mountains take on supernatural significance, reflecting the deep relationship Icelanders have with their environment.